The only thing that could get me up and at ’em at the ungodly hour of 545am would be a vacation.
Sean dropped me off at the airport and I made my way through security. Note to self: don’t travel on Monday mornings, as it’s the busiest time of the week with the longest wait times.
Once on the plane, it would take less than 3 hours before I’d find myself in sunny, balmy Palm Springs.
Disembarking the plane, I found out that the arrival/departure gates are sheltered. The other parts of the airport are exposed to the elements and reminded me of the grove in LA.
Nice surprise #1 – the first 15 minutes for a local call is free!
I called Desert Riviera‘s office manager Judy and informed her of my arrival, so she could send the stretch limo to pick me up. My driver, Jay, gave me a quick tour of downtown, while my room was being cleaned from a check-out.
The Desert Riviera looks even sweeter than it does in pictures. Everything is so lush and green. The azure colour of the swimming pool was so inviting. And the sight of tall palm trees made me feel like I wasn’t in Kansas anymore.
Spot the hummingbird. Hint: it’s in the middle of the picture.
Nice surprise #2 – the hotel with all its lushness is home to hummingbirds! One of the even “greeted” me when I came through the wrought iron gates. They’re so teeny! And there is a huge tree at the other end of the hotel where all the hummingbirds flit in an out.
It was not long before I could get into my poolside room, put away my stuff and kick up my heels. I walked across the street to the Ace Hotel and ate at the popular Kings Highway. It was after lunch hour and there was just one other person eating there besides me. Or perhaps hipsters don’t eat or wake up until closer to dinner?
The server was friendly and called me sweetie every time she talked to me. For my first meal in PSP, I ordered an ALT sandwich. (avocado, butter lettuce and vine ripened tomato sandwich with harissa aioli on wheat toast served with a side of jicama slaw).
After lunch, I walked around the neighbourhood to orient myself. But functioning on 4 hours of sleep and the early morning travel caught up to me and I had to get a nap in. For dinner, I stuck close to the hotel and walked up the street for take-out pizza.
Still feeling exhausted, I spent the evening at the hotel, watching complimentary movies from their massive dvd collections and taking a midnight soak in the 10 person outdoor hot tub. As only 5 out of their 10 rooms are currently occupied, I had the whole pool/hot tub to myself. And it was nice!
Surprise #3.
Ever since Harrison Hot Springs, I enjoy sitting in a vat of hot/warm water, but only with the night air on my face and shoulders. And like Harrison Hot Springs, there is not a lot of city lights where I am, which made for brilliant star-gazing while floating on my back. The quiet and the serenity. The Desert Riviera is indeed a garden oasis.
I couldn’t muster up the energy for my usual go! go! go! tourist mode, so my first day was a bit of a write-off, but it sure ended heavenly.
View more photos of my trip on my Flickr album.
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